Category: NSW News

It was a night of glamour, pride, and celebration as the Netball NSW Awards Night brought together the state’s brightest stars and most dedicated contributors to recognise another outstanding year for netball in New South Wales.Images: Available Here: https://netballnsw.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a61fdddc7216e646211550b26&id=788b335fad&e=5dd905e812. Credit Steven Markham

Paige Hadley, NSW Swifts; Trudi Busch, CMO Homeworld; the Hon. Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Sport; Sallianne Faulkner, Chair Netball NSW. 

From grassroots heroes to elite champions, the Netball NSW “night of nights” recognised the incredible achievements, resilience and dedication of the people who make the game thrive. Players, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators from across the state joined special guests including The Hon. Steve Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Sport, and The Hon. David Harris MP, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, in celebrating excellence both on and off the court. Minister Kamper presented the prestigious Community Excellence Award to Ballina Netball Association, recognising the Association’s outstanding contribution to its local community and commitment to inclusivity, participation and connection through sport. The event also honoured Carole Sykes OAM, who was elevated to Legend Status in the Netball NSW Hall of Fame – the organisation’s highest accolade – in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the sport in New South Wales. Tributes were paid to Margaret Corbett OAM, a Netball NSW Hall of Fame Legend and Life Member, whose passing earlier this year was marked by the display of her iconic Golden Boots as a symbol of her enduring legacy. Suncorp Super Netball stars Erin O’Brien (GIANTS Netball) and Paige Hadley (NSW Swifts) were among the high-profile attendees, with both receiving the coveted Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal – Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year for their exceptional performance and leadership throughout the 2025 season. Netball NSW Chair Sallianne Faulkner and CEO Tracey Scott joined Board Directors, Life Members and valued partners to celebrate the achievements of 2025, a year that saw record participation, strong community engagement, and success on and off the court. “Twelve months go very quickly in netball, and it’s hard to believe we’re here in Bankstown again celebrating another incredible year for our game in New South Wales,” Ms Faulkner said. “In 2025, we’ve seen record-breaking results across every level of the sport — from nearly 400,000 fans attending Suncorp Super Netball matches, to 7,320 athletes competing at our Junior and Senior State Titles, and record participation in our DOOLEYS Metro League and Netball NSW Premier League’s 10th anniversary season. “Our NSW 19U and First Nations Team, the Waradas, both claimed national gold, while our Marie Little Shield team continued their dominance. We’re also immensely proud of the 14 NSW athletes nationally identified and the six selected in the Australian 21U Squad, including three Youth World Cup gold medallists. “On the back of record participation and strong community engagement, Netball NSW — and the people who make it what it is — have continued to thrive. As ever, robust debate, shared ideas and a collective drive for excellence remain at the heart of our growth.” These achievements formed the backdrop to a night that honoured the individuals, teams and associations who have shaped another remarkable year for netball in New South Wales. “This evening is about recognising and celebrating the collective achievements of our players, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators who make netball the leading sport for women and girls in our state,” Tracey Scott, CEO of Netball NSW said.  “We are incredibly proud of the strength of our community, the depth of our talent pathways, and the dedication of everyone who contributes to the ongoing success of our sport.” As the curtain comes down on another successful year, the 2025 Netball NSW Awards Night reflected the enduring passion, unity and spirit that continue to define netball in New South Wales — setting the stage for another exciting year ahead in 2026. 2025 Netball NSW Award Winners  
Award   2025 Recipient/s  
Heritage List   Waratah Mosaic   
Hall of Fame – Legend   Carole Sykes OAM 
Anne Clark BEM Service Award   Jenny Bazley, Camden and District Netball Association Monica O’Callaghan, Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association   Gail Mayers, Charlestown Netball Association Keri Sheraton, Ku-Ring-Gai Netball Association                                                         Kay Piper, Inner West Netball Association    
The Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal – Suncorp Super Netball Players of the Year  NSW Swifts – Paige Hadley  GIANTS Netball- Erin O’Brien  
The Nance Kenny OAM Medal – Premier League Opens Player of the Year   Lauren Woods, North Shore United
The Wendy Archer AM Medal – Premier League U23’s Player of the Year   Sophia Martinussen, UTS Randwick Sparks  
The Margaret Corbett OAM Coaches Award – Coach of the Year   Nardia Trevor, Baulkham Hills Netball Association 
The Neita Matthew OAM Umpire Award   Kiri Bowcock, Baulkham Hills Netball Association    
The Lynn Quinn OAM Bench Official Award   Julie Scholte, Camden & District Netball Association 
The Dot McHugh OAM Administrator of the Year Award   Helen Pratt, Ku-Ring-Gai Netball Association  
Men’s Netball NSW State Player Joe Miller, Ku-Ring-Gai Netball Association
The Kids Cancer Project Fundraiser Winner Sutherland Shire Netball Association
Community Volunteer of the Year Award   Julia Morrissey, Out of Touch Netball Club, Bathurst AssociationSophie Bradbery, Bradson Netball Club, Port Stephens Netball Association 
Community Excellence Award   Ballina Netball Association  
The Marj Groves AM Academy Awards   Monika ‘Otai, GIANTS Netball AcademyLili Gorman-Brown, QBE Swifts Academy
The Judy Dunbar Media Awards Best Overall Media CoverageCommunity Media Excellence  Netball Scoop  Danielle Schuhmeier, Camden Netball Association

A Sydney-based company helping to accelerate clinical trials and bring new medical products to market has been named Exporter of the Year at the NSW Export Awards.

Southern Star Research received the honour at a gala ceremony last night alongside a win in the International Health Category.  

As an Australian Contract Research Organisation, Southern Star Research works with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to manage trials, track results and gain regulatory approvals for their clients’ treatments. 

The Minns Labor Government has backed Southern Star Research through its Going Global Export Programs for the last two years, bringing their expertise and services to the competitive Greater China, South Korea and US markets.  

The business took part in the Going Global Health to USA Program in 2023, supported by InvestmentNSW’s trade representatives with pitch coaching, business matching and introductions to US partners.  

Southern Star Research’s success is a testament to the strength of the NSW healthcare sector, which contributes $60 billion to the state’s economy. It also highlights the positive impact of the NSW Government’s export programs and how local businesses are being supported to achieve international growth objectives.  

This support will grow even stronger as the NSW Government continues to implement its Trade and Investment Strategy. More than 30 Going Global Export Programs and Going Global Trade Missions will be delivered over the next year, supporting up to 350 NSW businesses to thrive in the international marketplace.  

Southern Star Research was among 18 other NSW businesses from a diverse range of industries including agribusiness, food and beverages, resources and energy and manufacturing and advanced materials that were celebrated at the NSW Export Awards last night.  

Now in its 63^rd year, the Awards celebrate the contribution exporters make to NSW through diversification, job creation and increased economic prosperity.  

For a full list of the 2025 NSW Export Award winners, visit the Export Council of Australia.   

The winners in the 14 national categories will now progress as finalists for the Australian Export Awards, to be held in Canberra on Wednesday 26 November 2025.  

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“I want to congratulate Southern Star Research for taking out the top prize of NSW Exporter of the Year – the Minns Labor Government is proud to have supported their exporting journey, helping them expand into new markets and create jobs here at home. 

“Success stories like Southern Star Research reinforce that we are delivering on our NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, a first-of-its-kind push with clear targets to increase the value of NSW exports. 

“We know that exporters generate high revenues, provide more jobs and drive innovation, so that’s why we are excited to help their opportunities grow. 

“With quality programs, and a strong network of trade representatives in NSW and around the world, the NSW Government is committed to ensuring our state’s businesses remain competitive and connected on the global stage.” 

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said: 

“Southern Star Research is just the latest in a long list of outstanding home-grown businesses driving innovation across our state’s medical research sector, and I commend them on their win.  

“NSW businesses continue to show that our state is home to world-class products, services and talent in the health technology industry.  

“We are proud to see our researchers and developers forging new paths in international markets, setting benchmarks for excellence, and producing technologies that will help millions of Australians.”    

Southern Star Research Managing Director and Founder David Lloyd said:  

“We’re deeply honoured to receive both the International Health Award for NSW and the NSW Exporter of the Year title.  

“These awards reflect the dedication of our team and our commitment to advancing global health through high-quality clinical research. As a proud NSW-based organisation, we’re passionate about showcasing the strength of our local talent and the impact NSW’s innovation can have on the world stage.  

Chair of the Export Council of Australia Dianne Tipping said:  

“As Chair of the Export Council of Australia, I’m thrilled to congratulate all the exceptional finalists and winners of the 2025 NSW Export Awards.  

“This year’s cohort reflects the remarkable diversity, resilience, and innovation that define NSW exporters—from regional trailblazers to global industry leaders. Their achievements not only strengthen our economy but also showcase the world-class capabilities that NSW brings to international markets.  

“We’re proud to celebrate their success and the vital role they play in shaping NSW’s future on the global stage.” 

The people of Central Darling Shire have their first Council in 12 years, with the Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig today confirming the three people to serve as appointed councillors alongside the councillors elected by the community.

The new Rural and Remote Council model will enable the Council to draw on a wide range of expertise to ensure that it can address the challenges of service provision in a remote location.

Central Darling will have an equal mix of elected and appointed councillors to ensure strong local representation while maintaining stable governance.

This new model was introduced by the Minns Labor Government to address the unique challenges of larger remote councils and to provide a pathway back to democratic representation for Central Darling Shire after 12 years of administration.

Following the election for the Council’s three wards, Peter Sullivan was elected to Ward A, Max Bradley to Ward B, and Daniel Fusi was declared elected uncontested in Ward C.

The three appointed councillors were determined by the Minister after the election results were declared, to ensure their skills and experience will complement those of the elected councillors.

The appointed councillors are:

• Robert (Bob) Stewart – Mr Stewart has served as the Administrator of Central Darling Shire Council since 2019, conducting day to day business during this challenging time which has included fish kills, drought, and floods. Bob has over 40 years of local government experience and understands the specific financial, socioeconomic and environmental challenges for the region.
• Fiona Kelly – Ms Kelly is a proud Barkindji/Ngiyampaa woman and Executive Principal of Menindee Central School which she also attended as a student. Ms Kelly has dedicated herself to culture and community, and her leadership at Menindee Central has seen a number of positive changes.
• The Hon. Barbara Perry – Ms Perry is a former Auburn Councillor, served 13 years in NSW Parliament as the Member for Auburn and served in several Ministerial roles including Minister for Local Government from 2008-2011. She has a legal background and has significant experience in governance and interaction with the State government.

Bob Stewart has been named as the Chairperson for the new Central Darling Shire Council and will continue to provide strategic direction. The Council can elect a Deputy Chair at its first meeting in December.

All councillors will undergo an induction program to ensure they are ready and equipped to serve the people of Central Darling effectively.

The NSW Government is also providing $6 million in funding to support the Council’s financial stability as it transitions out of administration. This funding, with the agreed program of expenditure, will help the Council address immediate infrastructure priorities, build capacity and deliver local government services across the Shire.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Returning democratic representation to Central Darling Shire after 12 years under administration was a key priority for the Minns Labor Government and I’m very proud that we’ve reached this point.

“I congratulate both the elected and appointed councillors of Central Darling Shire and I wish them well in their new roles serving this community.

“Central Darling Shire faces unique challenges. The government will continue to work closely with the Council to ensure it has the support it needs.

“I expect all councillors to work together to serve the community, and I look forward to seeing them get down to the business of running the Council.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“This is an important day for the communities of Central Darling Shire and means the Council can finally get on with the job. After over a decade in administration this will be just the first step toward the post-administration era.

“The Rural and Remote model, consisting of a mixture of elected and appointed members, was developed in consultation with me and many other local stakeholders to get Central Darling back on the path of having an elected local government. There is scope for changing that model after it gets up and running.

“We want to see all our new councillors succeed, and I look forward to working together with them to deliver for the people of Central Darling.”

Ghost Festival is back and spookier than ever transforming Sydney’s historic Rocks and Circular Quay precinct for four nights of spine-tingling fun, immersive experiences, and a Halloween street festival.

Kicking off last night this year’s ghostly fun has built on the increasingly popular Halloween activations in The Rocks, with last year’s inaugural Ghost Festival welcoming 60% more people than previous years.

After drawing over 115,000 visitors last year, Ghost Festival 2025* promises to be even ghostlier with free experiences including live music, street performances, and markets alongside themed food and drink experiences.

Festival highlights include:

• Poliakov’s Haunted Woods – A ring of eerie cabins serving up freakishly delicious eats from Messina, Gong Cha, and more. At the heart, the Poliakov Vodka Main Stage will keep the crowd dancing with monster DJ sets and chilling cocktails.
• Sydney’s Halloween Market – By day, a charming artisan market; by night, a fog-filled, candlelit bazaar of bubbling brews, magical trinkets, and spooky surprises.
• Ghost Cinema at Cadmans Cottage – Outdoor horror screenings under the stars with cult classics, immersive soundscapes, and live performers who might just sneak up mid-scream.
• House of Horrors Party – A multi-level haunted house turned tech-house rave with themed rooms and live DJs.
• The Crossing Lane & Reese’s Ghouls Gate – Get a full SFX monster makeover and strike a pose in a 360° video booth for a chance to be crowned Sydney’s best Halloween costume.
• Halloween Parade – Only on Friday at 8pm the Halloween parade, will create a truly eerie experience when darkness marches into the world of the living. 

Entry to the festival is free, but some events are paid and require bookings.

If you spook easily you can get more information on what to expect by visiting Ghost in The Rocks | The Rocks

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This spooky spectacular will bring Sydney’s streets alive with Halloween spirit, so whether you want family friendly fun, to party, be scared, or soak up the ghostly vibes, Ghost Festival is the place to be.

“One thing festival goers don’t need for fear is their budget with plenty of free activities on offer from live music to street performers and even a dark art trail, so there’s endless fun to have without spending a dollar.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly working to make sure women have access to important legal advice and representation on workplace issues with the establishment of a new Working Women’s Centre in New South Wales.

Fulfilling an election commitment, the Minns Labor Government has invested $8 million over four years in the Centre, which will provide free legal advice and support to women in the workplace, plus education and training to businesses and staff, enhancing workplace safety for women across the state.

Women’s Legal Service NSW has been selected to deliver the NSW Working Women’s Centre and has also received $8.1 million over 5 years in Commonwealth funding.

The Commonwealth Government has committed a total of $32 million over five years to establish or fund existing working women centres in all states and territories and create a new national body. This is in response to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work Report (2020) that recommended all jurisdictions establish or re-establish working women’s centres.

The Minns Labor Government’s investment in the Working Women’s Centre will provide for frontline services that help women across New South Wales navigate workplace issues such as underpayment, wage theft, parental leave, sexual harassment and non-disclosure agreements. The holistic, trauma-informed service includes free and confidential legal advice, representation, individual advocacy and support. 

It enhances and complements the Commonwealth service, ensuring priority access for a diverse range of service users that face additional barriers to legal supports including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
• women in regional, rural and remote NSW  
• women with disability
• LGBTQIA+ women
• young women
• women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• older women
• solo mothers in one parent families. 

In tandem, the Working Women’s Centre will provide state-wide advocacy, education and training programs for businesses and their employees in occupation-specific sectors that support the prevention and elimination of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment and gender inequality.   

Women who need advice on workplace issues, including workplace entitlements and rights, gender issues, cultural diversity, discrimination and sexual harassment can reach out to the NSW Working Women’s Centre for free assistance via: https://www.wlsnsw.org.au/legal-services/wwc/

Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney said:

“Places like the Working Women’s Centre are so important, giving women an access point to seek protection in the event of experiencing workplace discrimination or harassment.

“Whether it’s workplace harassment, underpayment or discrimination against working mothers – no woman should face that alone. The Working Women’s Centre will be there for all women; it’s free confidential and on her side.”

NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“I welcome the establishment of a new Working Women’s Centre in New South Wales which will help support women with the legal advice, advocacy, and workplace protections they deserve.

“It follows the Minns Labor Government passing major reforms that enhance the rights and conditions of over four million workers in NSW. This includes enshrining gender equality and the elimination of workplace bullying and sexual harassment as explicit objectives of the Industrial Relations Act.

“The recently established NSW Anti-Bullying and Sexual Harassment jurisdiction allows for the order of damages for more than 400,000 NSW Government workers in hospitals, schools, local councils and other public services.

“These workers can now seek orders and damages from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission to stop workplace bullying and sexual harassment.

“While landmark reforms this year by the NSW Government saw paid leave rights expanded for 250,000 Community Services sector workers, three-quarters of them women.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“No one deserves to be harassed or discriminated against at work because of their gender.

“The Working Women’s Centre will provide free, dedicated legal advice and representation for women regarding their workplace rights.

“It will also provide support and training for businesses to create safer workplaces across industries.”

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is continuing work to make sure working women in across the state

“The Women’s Legal Service NSW has more than 40 years’ experience providing specialist legal support to working women. During that time, their work has improved the safety and economic security of working women, and their advocacy has advanced gender equality and women’s rights at work. 

“It is this longstanding passion and commitment, as well as their significant experience, that makes Women’s Legal Service NSW highly qualified and best placed to deliver these crucial legal, education and advocacy services that will ultimately help make workplaces fairer and safer for women across NSW.”

CEO Women’s Legal Service Katrina Ironside said:

“We are enormously grateful to the NSW Government for its commitment to gender equity and for partnering with us to support a best-practice, specialist Working Women’s Centre in NSW. This investment reflects the Government’s recognition that women’s economic security, safety, and wellbeing must be central to workplace and social policy.

“For the first time, women across NSW will have access to a dedicated, free service for legal assistance on workplace issues that disproportionately affect them and compound inequality. We look forward to working closely with key stakeholders including unions to build and expand this much needed service for working women.

“Whether it’s a single mother in Nowra dismissed after returning from parental leave, a migrant woman in Griffith being underpaid, a young woman in Bourke bullied by her employer after disclosing her sexuality, or a First Nations woman in Western Sydney threatened with defamation for seeking medical care following a workplace sexual assault, the Working Women’s Centre will ensure they can access the free legal help and wrap-around support they need.”

Western Sydney’s talented music students will soon be able to enrol in world-class courses at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s new Parramatta teaching and research centre.

Supported by a $2 million strategic grant from the NSW Government, in 2026 the University of Sydney will open an innovative, high-tech facility of the Conservatorium in Parramatta.

The University of Sydney is investing $30 million into the development of the Parramatta facility.

For well over a century, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music has been located on Macquarie Street in the Sydney CBD.

As Western Sydney grows, students are increasingly travelling across the city to attend classes. From second semester 2026 The Con, as it is affectionately known, will have a second facility in Parramatta CBD.

This historic expansion, the first in the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s 110-year history, will deliver world-class musical education opportunities to the region’s community seeking future careers in music, film, culture and the arts.

The facility will have a boutique, 60-seat live music auditorium. Outside of teaching hours, local artists and community will be able to utilise the Dolby-Atmos recording studio and music practice facilities.

The investment aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthen cultural infrastructure in Western Sydney and deliver more funding for the creative sector, to enable local creative practice to thrive with a highly skilled cultural workforce.

Minister for Arts, Music and the Night Time Economy, John Graham said:

“We already know that the next generation of talent lives in Western Sydney. Next year, instead of commuting into the Sydney CBD, they can experience state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Parramatta.

“The Con at Parramatta will support the development of new voices, new stories and new audiences.

“And once the Metro West is completed, we no doubt will see students from across Sydney choosing to study in Parramatta, one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of our city.”

Vice Chancellor of University of Sydney, Mark Scott said:

“The expansion reflects the university’s commitment to supporting the arts at a time of sector-wide change.

“We know it’s a challenging time for music education in Australia. That’s why we’re proud to offer a new home for music in Parramatta – a place where creativity, collaboration and community can thrive. Music matters, and we’re committed to supporting the next generation of artists and educators.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“Parramatta is increasingly becoming the cultural centre of Sydney, with the Powerhouse and Riverside Theatre developments, the success of National Theatre of Parramatta, WestPhil, RiverCity Voices and the magnetism of vibrant areas of Church Street, Phillip Street and Parramatta Square. 

“The Sydney Conservatorium of Music Parramatta teaching and research space will be a great addition to the city.

“I welcome the University of Sydney extending the footprint of the renowned Sydney Conservatorium of Music to Parramatta. This initiative will make it easier for Western Sydney residents to access learning opportunities for those seeking careers in digital and contemporary music technology fields, as well as the broader arts and culture sector.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts and Member for Granville, Julia Finn said:

“Arts and music shape culture and foster a truly innovative and creative New South Wales. I am pleased the Minns Labor Government is supporting the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Parramatta campus.

“Western Sydney is a truly dynamic region, bursting with creativity. Having quality arts and music education here provides a great opportunity for young people to explore their creative skills and pursue a creative career.”

The Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities will be safer this bushfire season thanks to ongoing Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulance (HARA) training for specialist paramedics in the region.

This regular HARA training includes off-road, beach driving and operating the various safety features to ensure our highly trained special operations paramedics are prepared to act in the toughest environments.

The fleet of eight new HARAs was launched by Minister for Health Ryan Park in October 2024 as part of a $14.8 million package to optimise response capabilities in hazardous areas, such as floods and bushfires.

The HARAs are equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments, including around fire grounds, and have a burn-over crew protection system which sprays water over and around the vehicle to keep it cool.

NSW Ambulance carefully planned and modified the vehicles with enhanced safety features to ensure they can withstand harsh environments.

External flammable components were replaced with fire-resistant materials and critical vehicle infrastructure has been wrapped in fire-retardant material so they will not melt or burn in a bushfire situation.

The exoskeleton of the vehicle has been reinforced to protect paramedics and patients from falling trees.

The all-terrain vehicles were carefully designed by the NSW Ambulance team with a range of specific features, making them world-first vehicles that optimise response capabilities in hazardous areas, such as floods and bushfires.

The rear of the vehicle is a fully operational ambulance, with a specially designed stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort. 

The HARAs are strategically stationed at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations based in Bomaderry, Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra and Wagga Wagga, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.

Minister for Health, and Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park: 

“NSW Ambulance HARAs are the first of their kind in the world and are proving to be an invaluable resource during natural disasters like fires and floods.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring our frontline emergency services are equipped and ready to help our communities when they are at their most vulnerable.

“These vehicles have been built to withstand harsh environments, allowing the highly skilled paramedics who operate them to swiftly, and safely access patients in difficult terrain and conditions.

“As summer approaches, it’s vital to plan ahead for natural disasters – and that includes residents undertaking their own bushfire risk assessment and preparing a survival plan to save our emergency services for those who need it most.”

Member for South Coast, Liza Butler:

“We are fortunate to have these specialist vehicles at our disposal on the South Coast, to give our residents access to world-class frontline care when they need it the most.

“The Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions have faced their fair share of natural disasters in recent years and it’s comforting to know that NSW Ambulance paramedics can access patients during these difficult times.”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney:

“These vehicles are an incredible asset to our communities, making it possible for paramedics to help people in some of the most difficult situations. 

“I want to thank the hard-working paramedics and other front-line workers who keep our communities safe during bushfire season and year around”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“These vehicles are a massive investment in NSW Ambulance’s capability, and ensure our staff have access to the latest technology and ground-breaking assets.

“The HARAs are equipped with enhanced safety features and include a multi-agency communication system, enabling us to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.

“Now that the 2025/26 bushfire season is officially underway, NSW Ambulance is working hard to ensure staff have the training and resources at hand to deal with emergencies as they arise.”

The Minns Labor Government has delivered $500,000 in grant funding to equip older people from diverse backgrounds with the skills required to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world.

This year, the popular Tech Savvy Seniors program will support over 70 community colleges and libraries across the state to deliver free or low-cost training sessions for seniors.

More than 156,000 participants have been involved in Tech Savvy Seniors since the program was launched 12 years ago.

The program has a strong track record of supporting seniors to gain confidence with technology in terms of accessing online services, developing scammer awareness, and connecting with loved ones through social media channels.

Key objectives of the program include:

• Improving digital literacy by giving older people the basic tools to use a computer, laptop or smartphone.
• Closing the digital gap, acknowledging that many people find technology intimidating and require support to become more comfortable users
• Bringing communities closer together – the digital platform is an essential tool to increase engagement with families, close friends and community groups.

Training is available across all skill levels and various languages including Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean and Ukrainian. This ensures the program is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the state’s diverse ageing population.

Tech Savvy Seniors supports a key focus area of the NSW Government’s Ageing Well in NSW Seniors Strategy 2021–2031, which aims to help older people stay informed, safe, and connected in a rapidly changing digital world.

The Tech Savvy Seniors program is delivered in partnership with Telstra. For further information on Tech Savvy Seniors and where to access training, please go to nsw.gov.au/community-services/seniors-card/tech-savvy-seniors

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Seniors grew up in a very different time and can encounter challenges with digital tasks like online banking, appointments and staying in touch with loved ones.

“Tech Savvy Seniors empowers older people to overcome the technology gap and become better connected to their social network and community.

“The Minns Labor Government is ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in their communities no matter when or where they were born.”

Ku-ring-gai Mayor, Cr Christine Kay, said:

“We are proud to be able to offer the Ku-ring-gai community pathways to safely and confidently participate in the online world.

“Running Tech Savvy Seniors in English and other languages helps us make sure more in our community can access the support they need.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to put young people at the heart of decision making for issues impacting them with twelve passionate young leaders from across NSW appointed to the 2026 Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

The new Youth Advisory Council will convene its first meeting on the 9^th of November and work directly with the Minister for Youth Rose Jackson on issues which are front of mind for young people across the state including mental health, cost of living, and climate change. 

The appointment of these young leaders follows the establishment of the first dedicated NSW Office for Youth in August this year. 

The Office for Youth is engaging young people on their terms and ensuring their leadership is formally recognised, respected, and integrated into decision-making processes across government. 

Each year, a dozen young people between the ages of 12 and 24 will be appointed to the YAC, giving them a platform to have their say on government policies, programs, and legislation concerning young people.  

Members of the inaugural Youth Advisory Council represent a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD members, members living with a disability and members from both regional and metropolitan communities.  

The 2026 Members are:  

• Fayra Petriaton, Tamworth
• Hafsa Faizan, Leppington
• Daphne Hutchison, Wollondilly
• Amelia Hines, Maitland
• Romone Dunlop, Port Macquarie
• Ahmad Chatah, East Hills
• Lara Ristic, Riverstone
• Nathanael Guo, North Shore
• Chloe Richards, Murray
• Josua Relf, Castle Hill
• Keziah Cameron, Epping
• Thomas Norman, Junee  

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to listening to young people – it’s why we established the Office for Youth and it’s why the Youth Advisory Council is so important. 

“When young people are genuinely empowered to shape the decisions that impact their lives, we can create programs that truly deliver real and relevant outcomes for the next generation of New South Wales. 

“I’m excited to work with the new members of the Youth Advisory Council and hear about the issues that are front of mind for them.” 

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoë Robinson said:

“I continue to support the YACs work across the state, ensuring that they are given opportunities to influence policy development.    

“Young people deserve a genuine seat at the table when it comes to the policies, laws, and services that shape their world. The YAC serves as a direct connection to government, amplifying young voices and empowering the next generation of leaders to create lasting change across NSW.” 

Passengers who bring converted e-bikes onto Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink or Metro services will face significant fines under new safety regulations which take effect tomorrow.

Anyone caught with a converted e-bike on the network risks fines of up to $1,100 as part of a crackdown on the hazards linked to unsafe lithium-ion battery installations.

The landmark decision by the NSW Government follows growing safety concerns about converted e-bikes – which have been linked to incidents across the rail network and a growing number of battery-related fires reported by Fire and Rescue NSW.

Converted e-bikes are regular pedal bicycles that have been fitted with electric motors and batteries, which are more likely to catch fire because of DIY setups, poor wiring, and low-quality or second-hand parts.

Under the new rules, people will not be able to bring a lithium-ion battery from a converted e-bike on a train or metro service whether or not it is attached to the bike.

The carriage of a restricted converted e-bike will carry a minimum penalty notice offence of $400 with a maximum penalty of $1,100. This is comparable to the existing offence for carrying a petrol-powered device on a train or railway premises. 

The ban applies to all fare-paid areas of the rail network, including trains and platforms. It does not extend to concourses, lifts or bike storage areas outside the fare gates. Riders passing through community access gates will also not be affected.

Other e-bikes, shared e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted by this change; however, Transport for NSW will continue to monitor all e-micromobility incidents closely. 

Transport for NSW consulted widely before making the decision to introduce the ban, including with fire services, unions, delivery riders and the public.

As part of a nationwide push to improve safety standards, the NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have jointly urged the Federal Government to introduce tougher national regulations, on the importation, sale and use of e-micromobility devices, to ensure all products available in Australia are safe, reliable and fit for purpose.

The NSW Government continues to promote and enable the use of e-bikes as a safe, accessible and sustainable transport option for people in NSW. They are helping people get around, especially for short trips to and from train stations.

More information about the ban of converted e-bikes on Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro and NSW TrainLink networks is available on the transportnsw.info website.

Secretary of NSW Transport Josh Murray said:

“These changes are not about limiting mobility – they are about protecting lives and importantly, protecting the continued safe operation of our metro and rail services.

“You may think it is harmless to change your pedal bike to an e-bike using a DIY conversion kit. But if it results in a fire on a packed train or metro service, the consequences could be serious.

“The fines of up to $1,100 are significant so I urge our passengers to use common sense and follow the new rules. Don’t use a converted e-bike to avoid a fine.”